KAP Academy graduates to showcase films at AFRIFF

Two short films from young filmmakers in Benin, who graduated from the KAP, SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp, will be shown in the Students' Film category at the upcoming Africa International Film Festival.

Chioma Ude, the founder and Executive Director of AFRIFF, shared this news during the graduation ceremony and the premiere of three student films at the KAP Film Village and Resort.

Ude showed faith in the quality of the students' films. She reassured the 20 graduates that two of their films would be part of the festival.

This announcement brought excitement to the graduation day, giving the new filmmakers a chance to show their work to a larger audience, including filmmakers, programmers, producers, distributors, and other professionals in the industry.

The 12-week Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp was organized in partnership with KAP Film and Television Academy and the Benin Government through its audiovisual agency, SOPA.

The program trained 20 young creatives in Benin on filmmaking theory, practical production, and other filmmaking skills. It ended with the production and premiere of three original short films.

During the ceremony, Ude highlighted the need for platforms that allow upcoming filmmakers to showcase their work beyond the classroom.

AFRIFF, which Ude established, is a space for African and Diaspora films through screenings, industry programs, and professional growth initiatives. The festival includes student films, features, shorts, documentaries, and animations.

The screening will give the chosen graduates a taste of the festival setting. They will also connect with filmmakers and industry professionals from Africa and the Diaspora.

The premiere of the three student films attracted an audience that included prominent figures in African and international cinema. Some of them were Keith Shiri, Jean-Pierre Bekolo, Femi Odugbemi, Tunde Kelani, Tade Ogidan, Virginie Besson-Silla, and Sola Sobowale.

The event also introduced ITAN, The Screen Gathering and Awards. Filmmaker Femi Odugbemi launched this new platform, supported by KAP founder Kunle Afolayan.

This new development is expected to help young filmmakers take their work beyond the training program and into the wider film industry.